Do we really buy this?

The Christian faith is one of many "rules" it seems. Reading through the words of Jesus in Matthew chapters 5 and 6, one might start to get the idea that it is almost near impossible to live as we ought to in the eyes of the Lord. My heart was convicted even by the headings of the passages, things like " Oaths, and Eye for and eye, Love your enemies and Caring for the needy.." And it made me have the thought, why do I strive so hard and yearn within my soul to live a life described through these passages when it seems so hard...and if truly is this difficult...do we really buy this whole idea of righteousness? Who would ask us to be perfect when we know it's impossible? And so we go on living much short of what we ought, by selling ourselves short, and our Maker with our lives that barely resemble the masters image, and design for us. We scoot ourselves so close to the edge of sin that we are there, but not in it. And we are so close to the darkness that we can dip our hands into it, but not immerse ourselves...because why waste our lives now, for a life we are not even certain that we will be "good enough" to get into some years down the road when death stares us in the face.

If this way of life is yours, and these are the thoughts of your heart, you are not alone. But Christ gives us a different story, listen to this:

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His power, might be rich." 2 Cor. 8:9

What does this verse have to do with what I spoke of above? Everything. It's about His great love for you, demonstrated by what He did for you, and why we are motivated to live the lives He calls us to...

I keep talking about this life that is so full of joy that we are beaming to the point of glowing, and hearts so full they just run over because there is no more room to be filled, but how do we get to that place from where we are now, a place that feels squelched by rules and constant fingers, pointing out our shortcomings..

The truth is, we are not perfect, nor shall we ever be, (on this side of heaven) but listen friends, when the seed of God was planted in your hearts however many years ago, something took root there that will not let you rest in sin. It's presence is the constant reminder of this idea, "we can do better for Christ.." and that is what spurs us on in part to dig to be more...and where do we dig? The word. His words will inspire you and encourage you. Yes, it's true that it seems as though He has set an impossible standard for us in His words in Matthew..but there are said in means to encourage us, that this life is possible, only by His power, and it's testimony to us that we need His power to accomplish such things.

Paul understood it as he spoke to the Corinthians, as he testified of what they could and should accomplish through Christ:

"Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what He does not have." vs 12,12

The closer you are to Christ, the more you will have to give, the more willing you will be and the more work you can do for Him. Work can be equated as this: kindness when it doesn't make worldly sense, gifts given out of poverty, turning the other cheek, blessing instead of cursing, peace instead of pain, faithfulness instead of adultery, righteousness not for the sake of man, for the glory of God.

The more you know your Maker, the more you want to be like Him because His words permeate a room like nothing else can, and they fill a life with a fullness that is indescribable. They promise us peace in the storm, sustenance in the desert, and joy for the afflicted. When we see that happen in our lives, the desire to be more like the supplier of those gifts cannot help but grow, and that is when you see a heart begin to chase after righteousness. And knowing all along, the Lord sees your heart, so there is no need to blow a trumpet (Matt 6:1-4) when righteousness is apart of your life, for God will see and your Father in heaven will reward you.

And also, by doing so, you bring glory to God.

I say these things my friends, to encourage you, that this "holy life" is available to us, and is possible to us, and most of all, it's far from boring. We are always chasing after what we think will give us happiness and contentment, but often fail to look to the only true source. I know this was true in my life...

So perhaps today, examine where you are living..are you as close to the edge as possible, or somewhere far beyond? Or do you wake up each day, knowing that His purposes can and will be made known to you for how you will best bless Him and bring more glory to Him?

It's something we should all consider if we are truly going to be the person He made us to be...and the thought that He has a unique plan for me, is enough to inspire me, to strive for His best for my life. Rather than my best for my life. So I ask you, do you really buy this life I speak of?